mdv1984's Profile

Currency

United States Dollar - USD

Date Joined

1/20/2018

Salary Range

100,000 - 149,999

Occupation

Architecture/Engineering

Age Range

35-39

About Me

I'm a 35 year old federal employee, working as an engineer. I graduated college in June 2007, and I saved to buy a house since graduating. On October 1, 2012 I paid my final apartment rent check, and stepped into the world of home ownership October 19.

Why I Joined

I am interested in tracking my net worth, and wanted to see what other people my age earn, and how they have their money invested.

Best Financial Decision

Living at home during college, and building a retirement account right when I started my career. Buying a house near the bottom of the interest rate mountain. 3.5%, fixed for 30 years!

Worst Financial Decision

Getting a car loan within 3 months of graduating college.

Current Investing Strategy

I am currently investing 15% into my TSP and my wife's 401(k), and the maximum $5500 into our Roth IRAs, we paused the Roth contributions in 2017 to afford my wife's college education, but plan to begin again after she gets a full time job. I am also saving cash in an Capital One 360 account earning 1%. In November 2012, I opened a taxable investment account, and started investing outside of retirement. As of May 2015 I am invested at a 80/20 stock/bond ratio, and hope in the future to diversify into REITs and international stocks. I contribute $150 monthly to the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index(VTSAX), and $100 monthly to the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX), when the funds are available.

How do you manage your finances?

I have a very precise Excel budget that tracks EVERY penny, both incoming and outgoing. I pay all of my bills online, it is very easy to keep track of my money that way. I also use Mint.com. Additionally I have lots of different savings accounts, kind of like electronic envelopes to control our spending in each category outside of our basic needs (shelter, utilities, and food).

What tools do you use?

For my budget I use Excel, it is easily customizable. I even project into the future for gas prices, retirement funds, and bank accounts. I also use TSPtalk.com and CNBC, I like to know what the markets are doing constantly. I also ask friends and family how they invest their money.

I need financial help with...

Balancing life and growing Net Worth. Before I was married with children, it didn't matter to anyone but me how money was spent, but adding wife and children, there are a lot more needs, and unexpected items that pop-up. Even though I have been married a few years, I still hate spending money on things I think are wasteful.